What Is A Full Cup Bra?

February 12th, 2018

Whether you’re full busted or simply seeking a bra with some serious coverage, you’ll definitely want to get to know the full cup bra. This particular style comes with a plethora of advantages — in fact, it’s a phenomenal option for any woman to have in their lingerie drawer, regardless of her body type, breast shape, bra size, or wardrobe. But what exactly are full cup bras? What differentiates them, and when are they a good option?

In this guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about this useful little unmentionable.

What does full cup mean?

True to its name, a full cup bra features cups that fully cover the breasts. That means you won’t see breast tissue or cleavage at the top of the bra, as the cups encapsulate them completely.

What’s the difference between a full cup bra and a demi bra?

The edges of the cup extend high up on the breast on a full cup bra. On the other hand, the cups on a demi-cup bra will only cover about half or slightly more of the breasts (the same goes for a balconette bra). The center gore typically comes up higher on a full cup bra for added coverage and support. One other differentiating factor is the strap placement: on a full cup bra, the straps tend to be closer inward on the shoulders, whereas they tend to be set farther out on the shoulders with demi-cup and balconette bras.

Is a full-cup bra right for me?

Clearly, if you’re large busted and seeking to feel as secure as possible with no worries of spillage, a full cup bra is an excellent option. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer bras that offering shaping benefits. But honestly, anyone can benefit from having this option in their arsenal for occasions when maximum coverage is the goal. It’s worth noting that women specifically with narrow shoulders will likely appreciate full cup bras — as previously noted, the straps are placed closer together, meaning they’re less likely to slip off the shoulders.

The truth is, anyone can wear a full cup bra! The only situations in which this style wouldn’t be appropriate is when you’re sporting a low-cut top or dress (as it may show, given that the cups come so high up). In those cases, you’re better off going with a demi-cup or plunge bra — any style with less coverage. One other perk to the full cup bra is that since it covers the breasts entirely, it lends a super seamless look under a form-fitting top or dress.

What type of full-cup styles are available?

Full cup bras come in a wide variety of styles, fabrics, colors, etc. so you’re bound to find one that suits you.

For example, you can find full cup T-shirt bras to wear under those tight, thin knits, full-cup minimizer bras to achieve the appearance of a smaller bust line and full cup wireless bras. You’ll likely want to seek out full cup sports bras, especially if you have large breasts — by encapsulating the entirety of the breasts, they can better minimize movement and prevent any discomfort or damage.

So, are you sold on full cup bras yet? That’s what we thought. Just remember: It’s best to be 100 percent certain of your size before investing in any new style. A full cup bra is a practical, comfortable addition to any collection, but it can only make you look and feel your best if it fits properly.

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

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Rebecca Strong

Rebecca is a Boston-based freelance writer who focuses on style, fitness, food, and travel. She has contributed to such publications as HuffPost, Elite Daily and U.S. News & World Report. When she's not writing, she can be found at home or in the studio working on the songs for her upcoming album. Her favorite bra is a black demi-cup style with all-over-lace — timeless and feminine. View all posts by Rebecca Strong